(Almost) Organic Pest Repellent for Garden

spray bottle with misting nozzle
funnel
piece of cloth (such as cheesecloth or an old T-shirt)
1 small onion
1/2 jalapeno pepper
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 quart warm water
1 Tablespoon liquid dish soap*

*To make organic repellent, use an organic dish soap such as Seventh Generation.

1. Blend all the vegetables together in the blender or food processor to make a thick paste.
2. Put the water into a large pot and dump in the vegetable paste and cayenne pepper.
3. Cover and let sit overnight.
4. Put the funnel over a large bowl and line it with the old T-shirt or some cheesecloth.
   
5. Slowly and carefully pour mixture through the funnel and into the bowl. If you can see vegetable chunks, strain it a second time.
   
6. Squeeze the mush that collected in the cloth into the bowl and then discard what's left.
7. Add the dish soap and stir well.
8. Using the funnel, pour the mixture into the spray bottle. Store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze. (Shake thoroughly before refilling the spray bottle.)
   

To use, spray the entire surface of the plants, including stems and underside of leaves. Also spray the ground around the base of the stems. Treat every four to five days, in the morning or late afternoon.

This repellent does not directly kill the insects, but the residue makes the plants unpalatable. The soap may also interfere with some bugs' ability to walk on the surface of the leaves. It may take three or four treatments to kill off the bugs (through starvation).

How to Make Glass Cleaner

1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1/2 cup water
a couple drops of blue food coloring (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Use as you would use Windex.

The food coloring is included to be sure the mixture will not be mistaken for water. Keep in mind that this is toxic, just like Windex. Keep out of reach of children, and use in a well ventilated area.

I think this has almost the same ingredients as Windex. It works just as well for a fraction of the cost.--Sarah

Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap

I love the foaming scented hand soaps at Bath and Body Works, but they only come in antibacterial soap, which I prefer not to use. When I was searching online for non-antibacterial foaming soap, I ran across instructions for making my own. It works every bit as well as the kind I used to buy, and it costs about a fifth as much.

1 part liquid soap
4 parts very hot water
(For example, 2 ounces soap to 8 ounces water)

1. Pour the soap into a shaker container with a lid.
2. Measure the water in a separate container.
3. Tilt the shaker container as you add the water so that it hits the side, not the soap in the bottom. (This reduces the bubbles.)
   
4. Shake well to combine, then pour into an empty foaming soap dispenser.

You can use any type of liquid soap, even shower gels. I like to use the Bath and Body Works aromatherapy soap. I've never liked using that soap full strength because the strong scent irritates my nose, but the diluted foam soap smells wonderful and is also easier to rinse.

Be precise with the measurements. If the soap is too thick or too watery, it either will not flow well or will not make a thick foam.

Tip: Use a plastic shaker bottle with a tight lid, preferably one with ounce markings. Mark it plainly and use the same shaker every time; the soap smell lingers.

How to Clean Crayon Marks

This is a tip I've used over and over, ever since Allyson got big enough to get into things....

Just take a damp cloth and sprinkle a bit of baking soda on it, then rub the marks firmly. You can safely and easily remove crayon marks from tables, hard floors, counter tops, and paint. You do have to rub a little, but it really does come right off.

If you are cleaning a painted surface, use an old rag because a little color may transfer to the cloth. There is no noticeable color loss on the surface, though.

Make Your Own Toilet Bowl Cleaner

The first thing you might wonder is: "Why?" Well, I like to make my own toilet cleaner because:

• It's very cheap
• I don't run out of it all the time like I did with the store-bought stuff
• It's better for the environment and my health
• It makes the toilet sparkle

Want to try it? Here's the recipe:

1/2 cup Borax laundry booster powder (find it in the laundry aisle)
1 cup white vinegar

1. Pour the vinegar evenly around the edges of the bowl, coating as much of the surface as possible.
2. Sprinkle the Borax all over the bowl.
3. Leave for at least two hours or overnight.
4. Brush with a toilet brush and then flush.

Very little brushing should be necessary. If you soak it overnight, you may not need to scrub at all.